The Boston Celtics will be without their superstar forward Jayson Tatum for their upcoming clash against the Sacramento Kings. Tatum remains sidelined as he continues his recovery from right Achilles repair surgery, a procedure that has kept him off the court for the entire 2025-26 NBA season so far.
Celtics Injury Report: Tatum Officially Out
According to the official NBA injury report dated January 1, 2026, Jayson Tatum is listed as OUT for the game at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento. The match is scheduled to tip off at 10:00 p.m. ET on January 2. There have been no recent updates suggesting an imminent return, and all reports confirm he has not suited up for a single game this year.
The Celtics' injury list is relatively short otherwise. Veteran Chris Boucher is marked as questionable due to personal reasons. Meanwhile, Ron Harper Jr., Max Shulga, and Amari Williams are out as they are on assignments with the team's G League affiliate.
How Boston is Surviving Without Their Star
Despite the prolonged absence of their primary scorer, the Celtics have impressively maintained a competitive edge. They arrive in Sacramento with a solid 20–12 record, which places them third in the Eastern Conference standings.
The team has managed this success by adopting a collective approach. Jaylen Brown has stepped up significantly, taking on a heavier offensive burden. Derrick White has been a pillar of consistency, contributing both with his scoring and his tenacious perimeter defense. This shared responsibility has allowed Boston to stay afloat in a tightly contested playoff race.
With Tatum out, the Celtics are expected to start a lineup of Payton Pritchard, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Jordan Walsh, and Neemias Queta against the Kings.
Kings Also Grappling With Significant Injury Woes
The Sacramento Kings, hosting the game, are in a tough spot this season with an 8-25 record. Their struggles are compounded by a string of key injuries, making it difficult to establish any rhythm or continuity.
They will be missing two major pieces: star guard Zach LaVine is out with a left ankle sprain, and All-Star big man Domantas Sabonis remains sidelined with a partial meniscus tear in his left knee. Additionally, Dylan Cardwell, Daeqwon Plowden, and Isaiah Stevens are unavailable due to G League assignments.
These absences have severely hampered the Kings' performance, even on their home court.
For now, the Celtics continue to rely on their depth and disciplined system to navigate the season without Jayson Tatum. The timeline for his return from Achilles surgery remains unclear. Meanwhile, the Sacramento Kings are simply hoping for healthier days to turn their challenging season around.
